Japanese Jynx from How I Became a Pokémon Card Vol. 3 is a distinctive vintage Pokémon TCG promo released in Japan in 2000. Known among collectors as the Natta Wake Jynx or Singing Jynx, this card features unique artwork by Kagemaru Himeno and was distributed as a bonus with a Japanese manga volume rather than through a traditional booster pack.
For collectors of vintage Japanese Pokémon cards, this promo offers something different from the familiar cards of the original Base Set, Jungle, and Team Rocket era. Its book-themed design, manga connection, and unusual distribution history make it an interesting addition to a Japanese promo collection.
📌 Key Facts
| Card | Jynx |
| Japanese Name | ルージュラ |
| Release Date | January 22, 2000 |
| Source | How I Became a Pokémon Card, Volume 3 |
| Card Number | Unnumbered promotional card; Pokédex No. 124 |
| Level / HP | Lv. 18 / 50 HP |
| Illustrator | Kagemaru Himeno |
| Language | Japanese |
| Card Type | Vintage Psychic-type promo |
Last Updated: October 2026
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The Story Behind How I Became a Pokémon Card
How I Became a Pokémon Card, known in Japan as Pokémon Card ni Natta Wake, is a manga series by Kagemaru Himeno. The books tell stories set in the Pokémon world and are closely associated with the early Japanese Pokémon TCG era.
The series is especially interesting to collectors because its volumes included bonus Pokémon cards featuring artwork connected to the books.
Volume 3 was released in Japan on January 22, 2000, by Media Factory. Its original retail price was ¥450, including tax at the time’s applicable pricing structure.
The bonus Jynx card was attached to the final page of the book inside a dedicated paper envelope. This distribution method is different from the usual booster-pack release and is an important part of the card’s history.
Because the card was distributed with a book, collectors may encounter it both as a loose card and as part of an original copy of Volume 3.
What Makes Natta Wake Jynx Special?
The most distinctive feature of this card is its artwork.
Illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno, the card has a comic-inspired appearance that fits the manga series. Rather than simply presenting Jynx in a conventional battle pose, the illustration has the character and storytelling atmosphere associated with the original book.
The artwork also gives the card a clear identity within the broader range of Japanese vintage promos.
Collectors who focus on early Pokémon illustrations may appreciate the contrast between this card and the more familiar Jynx cards released through the Japanese Vending Series and other products.
It is also commonly referred to as Singing Jynx. The name Natta Wake Jynx refers to its distribution through the manga series, while Singing Jynx reflects the character’s presentation in the illustration.
How to Identify the Correct Jynx Promo
Several vintage Japanese Jynx cards exist, so it is important to identify the correct version before buying one.
| Feature | Natta Wake Jynx |
|---|---|
| Distribution | How I Became a Pokémon Card, Volume 3 |
| Release Date | January 22, 2000 |
| Illustrator | Kagemaru Himeno |
| Card Number | No printed set number |
| Distinctive Design | A book-themed graphic in place of the usual expansion symbol |
The lack of a conventional set number is an important detail. This is an unnumbered promotional card, not a regular numbered expansion card.
When searching online, look for the terms Japanese Jynx Natta Wake Vol. 3, Singing Jynx, and Jynx No. 124 promo. These terms can help distinguish the card from other Japanese Jynx releases.
Natta Wake Jynx vs. Vending Series Jynx
One reason collectors can confuse different vintage Jynx cards is that Kagemaru Himeno illustrated multiple versions of the character.
Before the Volume 3 promo, Jynx appeared in the Japanese Expansion Sheet Series. That earlier card had a different distribution history and a different illustration presentation.
The Quick Starter Gift Set also included a non-glossy reprint of the Vending Series Jynx in its Red Deck. The Volume 3 promotional card, however, is a separate release with different artwork.
These distinctions matter because a listing for a Japanese Jynx card may refer to the Vending Series version, the Quick Starter Gift reprint, or the Natta Wake promotional card.
If you want the Volume 3 promo specifically, compare the illustration and the book-themed graphic rather than relying on the Pokémon name alone.
How Much Is Natta Wake Jynx Worth?
The market value of this card depends heavily on condition. Older Japanese promos can show edge whitening, surface scratches, and wear from handling or storage.
Recent online sales provide a useful reference, but prices should be treated carefully because card condition, listing format, and whether the item is graded can all affect the result.
| Condition | Indicative USD Range |
|---|---|
| Raw, played condition | Approximately $40–$80 |
| Raw, clean condition | Approximately $70–$120 |
| PSA graded | Varies by grade and recent sales |
| Sealed book with promo | Depends on book condition and whether the card remains attached |
Price note: These ranges are indicative shopping estimates, not verified averages of completed sales as of October 2026. Recent online sales have included raw examples around $64–$82, while other listings and sales differ. Check the latest completed transactions before deciding what to pay.
For graded cards, the grade alone does not tell the whole story. Compare the certification details, actual card images, and recent sales of the same promo.
What to Check Before Buying
If you are considering adding this card to your collection, there are several things worth checking.
- Correct artwork: Confirm that the card matches the Volume 3 promotional illustration.
- Card condition: Examine the front, back, corners, and edges for wear.
- Surface: Look for scratches, stains, creases, and other damage.
- Grading details: If buying a graded copy, verify the certification and card description.
- Original book: If purchasing the manga itself, check whether the bonus card is still attached or has been removed.
- Price history: Compare completed sales rather than relying only on asking prices.
The original book is also an interesting collectible. The promo was supplied in a dedicated paper envelope attached to the final page, so a complete book with the card still present offers a different collecting experience from a loose card.
Because removing the envelope can be difficult, an intact example may appeal to collectors interested in preserving the original publication and its bonus card together.
Why Collectors Seek Out This Japanese Promo
Natta Wake Jynx is not necessarily the first card that comes to mind when people think of valuable vintage Pokémon cards. Its appeal is more specialized.
- It was released as a Japanese manga bonus rather than a booster-pack card.
- It features artwork by Kagemaru Himeno.
- It has a distinctive book-themed graphic and no conventional set number.
- It is part of the six-volume How I Became a Pokémon Card series.
- It represents an unusual connection between early Pokémon manga and the TCG.
- It offers collectors an alternative to the more familiar Jynx releases.
The card’s appeal comes from its history and presentation as much as from the Pokémon itself. For collectors who enjoy obscure Japanese promos, that combination can make it a rewarding addition.
Does an English Version Exist?
The Natta Wake Jynx promo was released in Japan as part of the Japanese manga series. There is no identical English-language release of this specific promotional card.
English-speaking collectors may recognize Jynx from other early Pokémon cards, but the Volume 3 artwork and book-themed design are associated with this Japanese promotional release.
This makes it a useful example of how Japanese vintage Pokémon collecting extends beyond the cards that appeared in English booster sets.
Final Thoughts
The Jynx promo from How I Became a Pokémon Card Vol. 3 is a distinctive piece of early Japanese Pokémon TCG history.
Released on January 22, 2000, it combines Kagemaru Himeno’s illustration style with a unique distribution method: a bonus card attached to a manga volume rather than a conventional expansion pack.
For collectors interested in Japanese-exclusive promos, manga-related cards, or the history of the original Pokémon TCG, Natta Wake Jynx is worth knowing about.
If you are looking for a copy, make sure you identify the correct artwork and compare condition carefully before purchasing.
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